2005:04 INCLUSIVE WORDING FOR THE NATIONAL ANTHEM ENGLISH VERSION
Background:
The original English words for “O Canada” were gender-neutral. The phrase "All thy sons" was adopted by Act of Parliament in 1914.
The NCWC initiated a survey among its members in 1982-83, leading to approval of changes from “all thy sons” to “all of us” and “native land” to “cherished land.” However, these changes were not formalized as a Policy statement.
This Resolution aims to rectify that oversight.
Whereas:
- Our National Anthem should resonate with everyone in Canada; and
- The words “native land” may be interpreted to refer only to those born in Canada; and
- The word “sons” is not inclusive of all genders.
Resolved:
- That the National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) adopt as policy that the words of the National Anthem should be inclusive of everyone; and
- That the NCWC urge the Government of Canada to update the National Anthem’s lyrics to replace “native land” with “cherished land,” and “all thy sons” with “all of us.”